Christmas treats and a preview...

So, Merry Christmas!
I have put a link to my YouTube channel in the weblink bar on the right. There you will find some unboxing posts for a couple of games I got for Christmas - Dreadfleet and Legend Of Drizzt (D&D boardgame). These are added to the Lord of the Rings LCG I put on there last week.
So, also up and coming for the end of this year and 2012 are -

• Warmachine's plastic Cygnar Battlegroup (plus painting posts).
• The Walking Dead up to volume 14.
• Hellboy volume 11 (and BPRD thrown in for good measure).
• A couple of MTG core sets for 2012.
• LA Noire, Portal 2, Skyrim for PS3.
• A Dance With Dragons by George RR Martin
• Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy.

If I ever have a chance to post about all of these - it'll be right here! Happy New Year too!

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Posted in: board games,books,CCG/TCG,graphic novels,Magic:The Gathering,PS3,stuff,Warmachine

New additions.

Well, this week has seen the arrival of a few items on my doorstep. Mainly because I've got a little free time and I aim to use it! So, Lone Wolf and Cub v. 22 - 24, BPRD 7-10, Warhammer Invasion LCG and The Warhammer 8th ed. rule book. There's more to come, but one thing at a time - sort of.

I read the Lone Wolfs (wolves?) and the series is moving dramatically to its conclusion. The story is as gripping as ever. The son and father in their meifumado (look it up!) and the final battles against their mortal enemy. Consistently, well paced and thoughtfully drawn. Yes, there is adult content, it's not for kids - but for a discerning reader it has incredible qualities and you soon forget that you have been looking at the glossary. It has meticulous attention to detail ; there is a real sense of place and the community. Also, despite the way in which Ogami Itto embraces death and destruction there is a real humble humanity about him that ensures our sympathies. I suppose that is the real point. It is not simply a tale of revenge.

As a quick added point I have just played through the first few starter sessions of Battle for Skull Pass. I have to say that it was all nice and easy. I really like the range of figures. Great for the price. I do realise I will have to adapt what I have learnt with the new edition but there you go... Any way, it all went OK. You do need trays for the figures though - compared to my starter efforts at 40K, movement is a right royal pain without them. Overall, I kept having to look at the stats but my 12 year old got them straight away. Shows something I guess!!
I did wonder about the Flee rule - I felt it might mean that low Leadership troops would be forever running away -but it didn't work out like that- perhaps only because of favourable dice rolls though. We shall see.
Nevertheless will move on to full starter scenario - then the 3 Advanced Scenarios on the Games Workshop website and let you know how they go. At the moment it seems quite accessible and I like the way you can get into the game before knowing the more complex rules.

I think you all ought to know I took back Final Fantasy XIII - I loved the graphics and the gameplay but it was more than my mind could take in terms of intellectual /time investment. I am ashamed to admit this. I really didn't understand the weapons upgrade system and I couldn't work out how to get really good. I hang my head. So I'm going back to Elder Scrolls : Oblivion for RPG and have bought Uncharted 2 to shoot stuff.

Time black hole approaches.

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Posted in: graphic novels,Lone Wolf and Cub,PS3,Warhammer Fantasy,Warhammer Invasion

Easter Projects

I couldn't let a month by without shoving something on. I've been so busy at work that I've not really been able to do anything much, at all, even on any particular project. This Easter I aim to finish some Space Wolves, Space Hulk and Space Marines figures. However, over-ambitiousness is my middle name.

I did think about getting some Magic:The Gathering cards to muck about with - I'll see how it goes. One of my local cards/collectibles shops is closing down -Runik. So I may order online.
Got the new White Dwarf with all of the Blood Angels stuff in it. Like the models - lots of heroes, lots of sprues and options -I'm not sure they are as gritty and rugged as the Space Wolves though. They all look a bit scary and slightly psychopathic - but I guess that's the point really. Do like the Death Company though, they look like are hardcore 'cos they live hardcore.

Have watched some films though. Saw The Wolfman - useless- they had copied the 50's version in terms of costume, melodrama and looks then added modern gore and special effects. In the end it was well shot and staged but ultimately unengaging, which is probably one of the worst things you can say about a film.

Zombieland on the other hand was a bit of a hoot - a rag tag bag of characters, a bit rough around the edges and some nice humorous moments amongst the carnage. Nice touch the Bill Murray Zombie sequence -surreal - yet somehow totally apt.

Don't tell anyone but I am playing Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 at the Moment having just finished Bioshock 2. (The multiplayer experience wasn't enough to make me hold onto the game for longer.) I feel it's a bit of a guilty pleasure. The graphics are fantastic - generally, smooth and elaborate and breathtaking. The game play and fighting system is also quite friendly. Surprisingly. However, I am still lost in terms of weapons and character upgrading. I'll have to see what gives and take a sneak peek at some guide or other. They say there's 50 hours in it so I'll get my money's worth I guess.

So there you are - a quick review of what's been going on in my world. More in April!

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Posted in: PS3,stuff